tag:www.worldwildlife.org,2005:/press-releasesWorld Wildlife Fund Press ReleasesThe latest press releases from the World Wildlife Fund, the world’s leading conservation organization.Copyright 2020https://worldwildlife.org/assets/structure/unique/logo.png2020-06-06T00:00:00-04:00WWFPressReleaseshttps://feedburner.google.comtag:www.worldwildlife.org,2005:PressRelease/18162020-06-06T00:00:00-04:002020-06-06T00:00:00-04:00WWF Welcomes China’s Move to Strengthen Protection for Chinese Pangolins - Amid Concerns for Human Health<p><strong>Beijing</strong> - China’s move to strengthen protections for the Chinese pangolin could offer the world’s most trafficked mammal an important respite from its illegal trade, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) said today. The decision comes at a time when the global COVID-19 pandemic has brought the risks of consuming such wildlife, often sold in illegal and unregulated markets, into sharp focus.</p>
<p>On Friday June 5th, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration announced that it is upgrading the protection of native Chinese pangolins from second class to first class, the same protection level as the giant panda. The move is strongly welcomed by WWF which has been advocating for strengthening pangolin protection measures for several years. </p>
<p>Pangolins have been in the spotlight in recent months due to several research studies which suggest they may have transmitted COVID-19 from bats to humans because they harbor coronaviruses similar to the one which started the present global health pandemic. However, these links have not been proven conclusively.</p>
<p>Margaret Kinnaird, Global Wildlife Practice Leader, WWF, said, ''Pangolins are among the most trafficked mammals in the world with an estimated 195,000 pangolins trafficked in 2019 alone. Cracking down on the illegal wildlife trade doesn’t just protect species, it helps safeguard people’s well-being and lives. As the demand for pangolin products continues unabated, the Chinese government's decision to increase the protection status of pangolins is a significant milestone in addressing illegal trafficking of wildlife species. There is also an urgent need for global concerted action to ensure any high-risk trade and sale of wildlife is properly regulated.”</p>
<p>The decision to upgrade the protection level of the Chinese pangolin means that all eight species are now covered under first class protection in China, which is expected to strengthen the focus on pangolin monitoring, rescue and conservation in China. The upgrade is also expected to help ensure stricter enforcement of wildlife laws and penalties to address the rampant illegal trade and poaching of pangolins. </p>
<p>Pangolins are highly prized for their meat and unique scales. The announcement also provides an impetus to the ongoing efforts to increase public awareness on the need for pangolin protection. </p>
<p>“No culture or tradition is worth the extinction of an entire species. Endangered species, whether used for food or medicine, whether effective or not, should no longer be used because they are endangered or on the verge of extinction,” said Zhou Fei, Chief Program Officer of WWF-China. “The ecosystem values of pangolins are much more than the value of their meat or scales. There is a long way to go in protecting them, but we can start from rejecting the consumption of products made from them.”</p>
<p>Populations of Asian pangolins are estimated to have declined by up to 80 percent in the last 10 years with the Chinese, Malay and the Philippine pangolins among the critically endangered pangolin species on the IUCN Red List.</p><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WWFPressReleases/~4/e3TH4ft2RQk" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Elizabeth Daviselizabeth.davis@wwfus.orghttps://www.worldwildlife.org/press-releases/wwf-welcomes-china-s-move-to-strengthen-protection-for-chinese-pangolins-amid-concerns-for-human-healthtag:www.worldwildlife.org,2005:PressRelease/18152020-06-04T00:00:00-04:002020-06-04T00:00:00-04:00Declaración de WWF con relación a la Orden Ejecutiva sobre Regulaciones Ambientales<p><em>Hoy, l</em><em>a administración Trump presentó una orden ejecutiva que instruye a las agencias ignorar las leyes ambientales que se han respetado durante años, a fin de poder acelerar la aprobación federal de proyectos como nuevas minas, carreteras y oleoductos. En respuesta, el Fondo Mundial para la Naturaleza (WWF) emitió la siguiente declaración de Ginette Hemley, vicepresidenta sénior de conservación de la vida silvestre:</em></p>
<p>"La Orden Ejecutiva de la administración hace caso omiso de las protecciones al medio ambiente y a la salud pública, e impide las aportaciones públicas; esto para poder acelerar la aprobación de proyectos de desarrollo controvertidos que podrían ser muy dañinos para nuestro aire, agua y vida silvestre".</p>
<p>"El impacto se sentirá en toda nuestra nación, incluso en Alaska, donde apresurarse a eludir las leyes fundamentales puede poner en peligro la valiosa vida silvestre y a las comunidades en lugares como Bristol Bay".</p>
<p>"Este anuncio se produce cuando el mundo está en medio de una pandemia que ha demostrado las conexiones esenciales entre la salud ambiental y la salud humana, particularmente para las comunidades más vulnerables".</p>
<p>"La crisis actual no debe utilizarse como una pantalla para revertir las leyes ambientales y las salvaguardias diseñadas para proteger al pueblo estadounidense y garantizar que sus voces sean escuchadas. En todo caso, estas protecciones son más importantes ahora que nunca y necesitan ser preservadas".</p><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WWFPressReleases/~4/tohVDhS65hA" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>https://www.worldwildlife.org/press-releases/declaracion-de-wwf-con-relacion-a-la-orden-ejecutiva-sobre-regulaciones-ambientalestag:www.worldwildlife.org,2005:PressRelease/18142020-06-04T00:00:00-04:002020-06-04T00:00:00-04:00WWF Statement on Executive Order on Environmental Regulations<p><em>Today, the Trump administration put forward an executive order instructing agencies to waive longstanding environmental laws to speed up federal approval for projects such as new mines, highways and pipelines. In response to today’s announcement, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) issued the following statement from Ginette Hemley, senior vice president, wildlife conservation:</em></p>
<p>“The administration’s sweeping Executive Order disregards environmental and public health protections and denies public input in order to fast-track approval of controversial development projects that could threaten our air, water, and wildlife. </p>
<p>“The impact will be felt across our nation including in Alaska, where rushing to sidestep fundamental laws may jeopardize valuable wildlife and communities in places like Bristol Bay.</p>
<p>“This announcement comes as the world is in the midst of a pandemic that has driven home the essential connections between environmental health and human health, particularly for the most vulnerable communities. </p>
<p>“The current crisis should not be used as cover for rolling back environmental laws and safeguards designed to protect the American people and ensure their voices are heard. If anything, these protections are more important now than ever. They need to be upheld.”</p><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WWFPressReleases/~4/iO7kPgEqrcI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Lauren Gleasonlauren.gleason@wwfus.orghttps://www.worldwildlife.org/press-releases/wwf-statement-on-executive-order-on-environmental-regulationstag:www.worldwildlife.org,2005:PressRelease/18132020-06-03T00:00:00-04:002020-06-03T00:00:00-04:00WWF se manifiesta ante la injusticia racial<p>Ante los injustos asesinatos de George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery y Breonna Taylor, así como un patrón continuo de violencia contra los afroamericanos, WWF no puede permanecer callado. Tenemos la obligación moral de manifestarnos para condenar la injusticia y el trauma a los que ha estado sujeta la comunidad negra por tanto tiempo.</p>
<p>WWF trabaja en 100 países con el objetivo de construir un futuro donde las personas y la naturaleza prosperen. Nuestra diversidad es nuestra fuerza. Estamos comprometidos con la diversidad de nuestro personal y de nuestros socios de conservación, así como con la diversidad de la vida en la Tierra. Y tenemos el compromiso de defender los derechos de todas las personas en todo el mundo.</p>
<p>Sabemos que por sí sola, una organización ambiental como WWF no puede revertir la dolorosa historia de injusticia racial que existe en Estados Unidos. Pero también sabemos que tenemos un importante papel que desempeñar trabajando con otras instituciones en el camino hacia la igualdad racial, el cual se debió haber recorrido hace mucho tiempo. Por eso nos solidarizamos con la comunidad afroamericana para hacer frente a estos errores.</p>
<p>No podría haber un momento más difícil que éste, ante una pandemia devastadora, una economía que tambalea y la división cada vez más visible en todo el mundo. Pero está muy claro que esas circunstancias graves, así como la degradación de la naturaleza, afectan desproporcionadamente a la comunidad afroamericana y otras comunidades minoritarias. Eso debe cambiar, al igual que el sistema económico, político y social profundamente arraigado que permite se perpetúen estos patrones de injusticia racial.</p>
<p>Por tal motivo me comprometo personalmente a hacer más de lo que he hecho anteriormente. Me comprometo a escuchar, aprender y actuar. Y le pido a nuestra organización hacer lo mismo, aprovechando la sinergia y las historias que se compartieron recientemente durante una reunión con todo nuestro personal, las cuales me conmovieron profundamente y son núcleo de esta declaración. La abrumadora convicción de nuestra gente sirve como base para este compromiso: hacer uso de nuestra voz, nuestras alianzas y nuestra influencia para ejercer presión y exigir diversidad e igualdad, ya sea económica, social o ambiental, como lo son los cimientos de nuestro trabajo.</p>
<p>Al igual que nos mantenemos unidos luchando por el mundo natural del cual todos dependemos, estamos unidos como humanidad. Cualquier injusticia que afecte a cualquier parte de nuestra comunidad nos afecta a todos.</p>
<p>La vida de los afroamericanos es importante. La voz de los afroamericanos es importante. El verdadero cambio comienza con escuchar las voces de los más afectados para después actuar sobre esas bases para construir puentes que aseguren un futuro más equitativo para todos.</p>
<p>Carter Roberts</p>
<p>Presidente y CEO, WWF-US</p><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WWFPressReleases/~4/bDQ1RdCbQkU" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Monica Echeverriamonica.echeverria@wwfus.orghttps://www.worldwildlife.org/press-releases/wwf-se-manifiesta-ante-la-injusticia-racialtag:www.worldwildlife.org,2005:PressRelease/18122020-05-28T00:00:00-04:002020-05-28T00:00:00-04:00Make Your Miles Count: Virtual 5K for Nature Keeps People Active and Engaged<p>Washington, DC: From June 1 to June 7, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) will host its <a href="https://support.worldwildlife.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=panda_nation_virtual_5K_for_nature+&s_src=pressrelease&utm_campaign=panda-nation&utm_content=athletic-event&utm_medium=media&utm_source=press-release">first-ever virtual 5K for nature</a>, a campaign designed to help people stay active and engaged during this time of uncertainty.</p>
<p>With many activities cancelled or postponed, this is a challenging time for everyone. Many of us are wondering what we can do on the weekends to stay connected, while also giving back. WWF’s “5K for Nature” aims to connect people to nature within their own communities, even while social distancing. The campaign overlaps with <a href="https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/">World Environment Day on June 5</a>, a day dedicated to taking action to protect our planet. </p>
<p>The connection between our health and nature is profound. If we continue to lose nature, pandemics will become more common and more severe. WWF is working to help stop the drivers of future pandemics by tackling the illegal wildlife trade and halting the worst impacts of deforestation. Participants in WWF’s “5K For Nature” can be a part of the solution. </p>
<p>Participants register via WWF’s <a href="https://support.worldwildlife.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=panda_nation_virtual_5K_for_nature+&s_src=pressrelease&utm_campaign=panda-nation&utm_content=athletic-event&utm_medium=media&utm_source=press-release">Panda Nation website</a>, and sign-up as an individual or as part of a team. Registration is $20 and there is no minimum fundraising commitment. Participants receive a downloadable race bib, an exclusive Panda Nation t-shirt for those who raise $100 or more, personalized support and much more. </p>
<p>And while participating, WWF encourages participants to share inspiration with friends and loved ones by posting photos they take of nature using the hashtag <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/5kfornature/">#5KForNature</a>.</p>
<p>WWF advises participants to stay up to date on the latest news and guidelines from the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html">CDC</a>, WHO and local and national authorities. More details available at WWF’s website, <a href="https://support.worldwildlife.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=panda_nation_virtual_5K_for_nature+&s_src=pressrelease&utm_campaign=panda-nation&utm_content=athletic-event&utm_medium=media&utm_source=press-release">worldwildlife.org/5kfornature</a>. </p>
<p><strong>Quote from Bre </strong><strong>Giovanniello, lead organizer of WWF’s 5K For Nature:</strong>
“A lot of our friends, family and neighbors are looking for something to do right now. WWF’s virtual 5k is easy and accessible. All you need is a pair of sneakers, flip flips, or just your bare feet to participate. Getting outside is great for your physical, mental and emotional health. Appreciating our environment can be very special at this moment in time.”</p>
<p><strong>Images of people walking/hiking for media use: </strong><a href="https://hive.panda.org/Share/yt023a1c1kmeat6h6321n45c62n35m1j">https://hive.panda.org/Share/yt023a1c1kmeat6h6321n45c62n35m1j</a>
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<p><strong>ABOUT WORLD WILDLIFE FUND (WWF)<br></strong>WWF is one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, working in nearly 100 countries for over half a century to help people and nature thrive. With the support of more than 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, halt the degradation of the environment and combat the climate crisis. Visit <a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org">www.worldwildlife.org</a> to learn more and keep up with the latest conservation news by following <a href="https://twitter.com/wwfnews">@WWFNews</a> on Twitter and signing up for our newsletter and news alerts <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/join-the-press-list-for-wwf-news">here</a>. </p><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WWFPressReleases/~4/0lM1FxZnngA" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Jenna Bonellojenna.bonello@wwfus.orghttps://www.worldwildlife.org/press-releases/make-your-miles-count-virtual-5k-for-nature-keeps-people-active-and-engagedtag:www.worldwildlife.org,2005:PressRelease/18112020-05-20T00:00:00-04:002020-05-20T00:00:00-04:00China's Top Legislature to Discuss Revision of Existing Wildlife Protection Law <p><strong>BEIJING</strong> -- The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a zoonotic disease, has alerted the world to the potential threats to human health, well-being and prosperity caused by rapid nature loss and environmental decline. As the health crisis continues to impact peoples’ lives globally, it also underlines the urgent and immediate need to take action to improve ecological security, reinforce the protection of wildlife and regulation of wildlife trade.</p>
<p>On 24 February this year, China’s top legislature, the National People’s Congress (NPC), announced a ban on the hunting, husbandry, trade and use of wild animals as food to safeguard people’s lives and health, a step welcomed as ‘timely, necessary and critical’ by World Wildlife Fund (WWF).</p>
<p>With the NPC now looking to revise the existing law on the protection of wildlife, WWF is putting forward the following recommendations for the roll-out and enforcement of the law. If implemented in full, these measures could position China’s Wildlife Protection Law as one of the world's most robust and stringent, making a crucial and positive difference to ecological security and human and planetary health. </p>
<p><strong>Upgrading the objectives of the Wildlife Protection Law</strong></p>
<p>WWF recommends sharpening the objective of the law to that of “safeguarding the national ecological security, maintaining ecosystem health and services, and realizing the harmony between people and nature,” thereby giving priority to protection and conservation of wildlife habitats and ecosystems. WWF recommends naming the amended law as the Law of the P.R.C. on the Conservation of Wildlife and Habitats and suggests underlining the conservation of key unprotected habitats to ensure sustainable health and survival of wildlife in nature. </p>
<p><strong>Expanding the protection coverage of the Law</strong></p>
<p>WWF recommends more extensive and clearer categories for management; covering all endangered species, wild animals, wild terrestrial vertebrates and aquatic animals. Social customs should not form the basis for use of wildlife as food or medicine.</p>
<p><strong>Adopting rigorous wildlife utilization standards</strong></p>
<p>The new Law should clearly define captive bred species that may be used for food or medicinal purposes. At least 3 criteria should be applied: First, captive breeding procedures must be well established - e.g. attempts to breed pangolins have been largely unsuccessful. Second, the wild population must not be endangered, e.g. tigers are endangered in the wild, but have been captively bred to thousands in number. Any legal use of these species would increase market demand, potentially allow the laundering of wild-caught products as captive-bred, complicate law enforcement and threaten wild populations by an escalation in poaching. Third, captive breeding should not contradict good customs and ethical codes, e.g. the practice of extracting bear bile from live bears should be strictly prohibited. </p>
<p><strong>Reinforcing the protection of aquatic wild animals</strong></p>
<p>The current Law does not pay enough attention to aquatic wild animals. More focus should be on strictly securing the threshold of aquatic wild animal use in the new Law.</p>
<p><strong>Specifying the penalties</strong></p>
<p>Law enforcement rules should be developed with detailed guidance. Both sales and purchases made illegally should be punished more severely to heighten the criminal costs. </p>
<p><strong>Encouraging social engagement</strong></p>
<p>WWF recommends adding public participation and social monitoring mechanisms to existing legislative frameworks, e.g. civil organizations and individuals should be engaged and provided with legitimate reporting access when defining national and locally protected species and species where captive breeding is permitted. </p>
<p>“No culture or tradition is worth the extinction of an entire species.” said Zhou Fei, Chief Program Officer of WWF China. “Our key message is that wild populations of endangered species should be protected for their ecological value not for resources to be utilized for food or medicine. Their ecosystem value is much more than the value of their meat, tusks, bones, horns or scales.”</p>
<p>“Widespread unsustainable hunting and capture of wild animals for meat, medicine, or as pets, is emptying natural habitats of much of their wildlife, with knock-on effects for the capacity of such habitats to provide essential ecosystem services to people. Further, offering wild animals for sale in poorly regulated markets increases the risk of future public health emergencies.” said Margaret Kinnaird, Global Wildlife Practice Leader, WWF. “We strongly encourage governments to make wildlife protection laws robust and focus on strict enforcement and implementation of the legislation - and China has a chance now to lead the way. The costs of strengthening and implementing the law are insignificant compared to the devastating human and financial toll associated with any future zoonotic outbreaks.”</p>
<p>WWF is ready to provide science and evidence-based policy recommendations, global experience and capacity in wildlife protection to assist the government and law enforcement agencies in addressing illegal wildlife trade. WWF also aims to support public education and awareness to promote the understanding that wildlife and humans share the same future, so as to root out unsustainable consumption behaviors.</p><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WWFPressReleases/~4/FpL2uDNKOZw" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Elizabeth Daviselizabeth.davis@wwfus.orghttps://www.worldwildlife.org/press-releases/china-s-top-legislature-to-discuss-revision-of-existing-wildlife-protection-lawtag:www.worldwildlife.org,2005:PressRelease/18102020-05-19T00:00:00-04:002020-05-19T00:00:00-04:00Bipartisan Legislation Aims to Prevent Future Zoonotic Disease Outbreaks<p>Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) introduced the Global Wildlife Health and Pandemic Prevention Act. World Wildlife Fund (WWF) issued the following statement in response from Carter Roberts, President and CEO:</p>
<p><strong>“Like most emerging diseases, Covid-19 originated in wildlife, revealing the profound connections between nature and human health. To prevent the next pandemic, we need to close markets that sell high-risk wildlife and reduce human consumption of these species. We also need to halt the degradation or destruction of our remaining wild places while ensuring food security for vulnerable communities. This legislation provides the U.S. government with important tools, direction, and resources to accomplish those goals. We thank Senators Coons and Graham for their leadership in this important moment.”&nbsp;</strong></p><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WWFPressReleases/~4/9DD4hcBeeqo" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Seth Larsonseth.larson@wwfus.orghttps://www.worldwildlife.org/press-releases/bipartisan-legislation-aims-to-prevent-future-zoonotic-disease-outbreakstag:www.worldwildlife.org,2005:PressRelease/18092020-05-14T00:00:00-04:002020-05-14T00:00:00-04:00Indoor Soilless Agriculture Could Supplement US Food Supply While Decreasing Environmental Impact of Food Production<p><strong>WASHINGTON, DC</strong> –The Markets Institute at World Wildlife Fund (WWF) today released an <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/publications/indoor-soilless-farming-phase-i-examining-the-industry-and-impacts-of-controlled-environment-agriculture">Innovation Analysis</a> examining the environmental impact of various systems of indoor soilless farming. These systems include hydroponics, aquaponics, and aeroponics in greenhouse and vertical settings. At scale, this method of farming could have positive effects for the environment by decreasing pressures on land, biodiversity, natural habitat, and climate. However, the industry also faces hurdles that prevent it from moving beyond its current specialization in high-end leafy greens. </p>
<p>“Indoor soilless farming could have a significant impact on how we grow food in the future, in certain categories. Right now we are looking at whether or not it can be viable—both economically and environmentally—to grow more fruits and vegetables in these systems at a large scale,” said Julia Kurnik, director of innovation start-ups at WWF’s Markets Institute. “If we can address the challenges and make this happen, it could be a real game changer for communities that do not have access to fresh fruits and vegetables for much of the year, or places that are food insecure.”</p>
<p>While these systems make efficient use of land and water, the energy footprint from lighting and cooling can, depending on the local energy source, increase the overall environmental footprint. Indoor soilless farming is also considerably more expensive than traditional agriculture. However, there are several innovations under development that could significantly change the cost and environmental footprint to drastically alter the mid-to long-term viability of the industry. These include progress in lighting, fiber optics, AI and machine learning, gene editing, renewable energy, co-location and co-generation, and waste and recycling. </p>
<p>The report details the next phase of the project, which aims to help solve the challenges identified in phase I. WWF will explore using stranded assets—large infrastructure investments such as power plants and postal hubs that have depreciated in value but will continue to be used in a limited capacity for 10-50 years—and build a robust coalition of local partners, including The Yield Lab Institute, to launch a pilot farming system in St. Louis.</p>
<p>"The Yield Lab Institute, working with World Wildlife Fund and the McDonnell Foundation, is proud to be a part of a distinguished, local team of community volunteers who are working to bring local, indoor and sustainable food production to the St. Louis area,” said Thad Simons, Co-Founder and Managing Director of The Yield Lab Institute. “It will also spark innovation among our ag-tech entrepreneurs and is intended to provide access to nutritious food to the underserved areas of our community.”</p><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WWFPressReleases/~4/8u6bqGnCjQ8" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Lorin Hancocklorin.hancock@wwfus.orghttps://www.worldwildlife.org/press-releases/indoor-soilless-agriculture-could-supplement-us-food-supply-while-decreasing-environmental-impact-of-food-productiontag:www.worldwildlife.org,2005:PressRelease/18082020-05-07T00:00:00-04:002020-05-07T00:00:00-04:00Rosebud Sioux Tribe to Create North America's Largest Native Owned and Managed Bison Herd<p>MISSION, SOUTH DAKOTA–Rosebud Economic Development Corporation (REDCO), the economic arm of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, has secured nearly 28,000 acres of native grassland for the creation of a new plains bison herd with the&nbsp;support of the Rosebud's Tribal Land Enterprise. With a capacity to support 1,500 animals, the Wolakota Buffalo Range will become North America's largest Native American owned and managed bison herd. The project is being advanced by a partnership with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and with support from the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI). </p>
<p>The Wolakota Buffalo Range combines Lakota-based regenerative agriculture and social impact investment to generate socioeconomic opportunity. "We are doing something that has never been done. It shows what is possible when we create multiple bottom line initiatives supporting the environment, people, fiscal responsibility, and Native nation building," REDCO's CEO, Wizipan Little Elk said.</p>
<p>In a strong show of support for the project, Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt today announced the DOI's 2020 Bison Conservation Initiative. The Initiative is the 10-year direction for the Department and is organized around five goals: wild, healthy bison herds, genetic conservation, ecological restoration, cultural restoration, and shared stewardship. In a strong show of commitment to those goals and to the principles of the Wolakota project, DOI will send hundreds of bison over the next five years from public conservation herds managed by the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to the newly created range on the Rosebud Reservation, South Dakota. The historic project will increase the overall number of Native American owned bison by seven percent nationally.</p>
<p>"Interior is uniquely positioned to lead the way for shared stewardship of this iconic American species," said Secretary Bernhardt. "This 10-year plan will guide our collaboration with states, tribes, private conservationists and managers across public lands to advance conservation efforts and honor iconic wild bison."</p>
<p>Over the past five years, WWF has invested more than $2.2 million in bison restoration efforts with indigenous communities in the Northern Great Plains. This new opportunity, which aligns strongly with Lakota foundational values and beliefs, will become a model for cultural and ecological restoration efforts by Native American nations across the U.S. </p>
<p>Carter Roberts, president and CEO of World Wildlife Fund said, "The bison looms large in the culture and traditions of Native nations. This announcement matters for several reasons: it represents a homecoming for this iconic species, and it's also a reunion with the communities who lived with them for centuries in a symbiotic relationship. We are honored to be partners in this effort with the Rosebud Economic Development Corporation and the U.S. Department of the Interior, and we look forward to seeing the bison return to the Rosebud Reservation later this year."</p>
<p>The first transfers of bison from DOI herds to Rosebud are expected to occur in the fall of 2020. DOI will maintain their bison distribution protocol for other eligible candidates. Visit <a href="https://rosebudbuffalo.org/" target="_blank">rosebudbuffalo.org</a> to learn more. </p>
<p><strong>REDCO MEDIA CONTACT: </strong>Aaron Epps | (715) 896-1051 | <a href="mailto:aaron.epps@sicangucorp.com">aaron.epps@sicangucorp.com</a></p>
<p><strong>WWF MEDIA CONTACT:</strong> Susan McCarthy | 978-853-7752 | <a href="mailto:susan.mccarthy@wwfus.org">susan.mccarthy@wwfus.org</a></p><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WWFPressReleases/~4/fAC4xyweH-s" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>https://www.worldwildlife.org/press-releases/rosebud-sioux-tribe-to-create-north-america-s-largest-native-owned-and-managed-bison-herdtag:www.worldwildlife.org,2005:PressRelease/18072020-04-29T00:00:00-04:002020-04-29T00:00:00-04:00Health & Conservation Leaders Issue Joint Call to Shut Down High-Risk Wildlife Markets to Help Curb Future Outbreaks<p><strong>Hong Kong</strong> -- As the world grapples with the worst global public health emergency in recent memory, more than 100 scientists and conservation leaders from 25 countries are calling on governments across the globe to address high-risk wildlife trade to reduce the chance of another outbreak.</p>
<p>In a joint letter to decision-makers, the experts note that COVID-19 is a zoonotic virus, meaning it was transferred from animals to humans, and that there is a real risk of future pandemics if no action is taken to reduce high-risk wildlife trade -- especially in certain species of mammals and birds, which are more likely to host pathogens that can be transmitted to humans. High-risk situations where many animals, domestic and wild, dead and alive, from a variety of geographies, come into close proximity with one another and people in potentially unhygienic conditions pose a very high risk for disease spillover. These areas include markets, storage warehouses and transport hubs in densely populated areas. </p>
<p>More than 100 experts across nations, sectors, scientific disciplines and civil society agree that policy makers must take the following steps to reduce the chances of another pandemic:</p>
<p><strong>Shut down high-risk wildlife markets, with a priority focus on those in high-density urban areas</strong></p>
<p><strong>Urgently scale up efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and halt trade of high-risk taxa</strong></p>
<p><strong>Strengthen efforts to reduce consumer demand for high-risk wildlife products </strong></p>
<p>The letter brings together leaders in the fields of conservation, public health and zoonotic disease as part of the growing One Health[1] movement that recognizes how our health is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment. Signatories include globally recognized One Health experts from the EcoHealth Alliance, the University of California-Davis, the Southeast Asia One Health University Alliance and Cornell University; the minister of health of Bhutan; a former secretary-general of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES); and leaders from the National Wildlife Federation, Wildlife Justice Commission and World Wildlife Fund (WWF). </p>
<p>The letter can be found in multiple languages on the website <a href="https://preventpandemics.org">www.PreventPandemics.org</a>, and additional experts are invited to sign it through the website.</p>
<p>Marco Lambertini, Director General of WWF International, said: “The recent COVID19 pandemic is yet another manifestation of our dangerously unbalanced relationship with nature. Looking at the root causes of previous pandemics that originated from animals, we knew that it wasn’t IF a new pandemic would emerge, but WHEN. To prevent future pandemics, trade and consumption of high-risk wildlife must be eliminated, and deforestation and environmental degradation leading to an unbalanced human/wildlife interaction tackled decisively. In recovering from the crisis, we must embrace a just and green transition towards an economic model that values nature as the foundation for a healthy society and a thriving economy -- protecting nature and its amazing diversity of life is protecting ourselves."</p>
<p>Hon. Keith Martin MD, PC and Executive Director, Consortium of Universities for Global Health, Washington, DC, said: "We all need to speak out and engage elected officials to implement policies that will reduce demand for, and the trafficking in, endangered species; close those wildlife markets that have been identified to be high-risk conduits for disease transmission; and bolster the Global Health Security Agenda, which will strengthen the international community's capacity to prevent, detect and respond to disease outbreaks. Epidemics do not recognize borders, and neither can our response. Our health and safety depend on it.”</p>
<p>Steve Osofsky, the Jay Hyman Professor of Wildlife Health & Health Policy at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, said of high-risk wildlife markets: “If you’re a virus whose ‘goal’ is to spread, you couldn’t really design a better system to aid and abet a pandemic, particularly in dense urban centers. You have species that simply never would have run into each other under natural conditions, all packed together, bodily fluids mixing, and then people come into the equation. Pathogens are meeting species that they’ve never met before, creating perfect opportunities for viral jumps— including ones that lead to humans and can create the type of situation we’re all in now.”</p>
<p>-Ends-</p>
<p>Note to Editors: </p>
<p>1 - The Cornell Wildlife Health Center defines One Health as a multidisciplinary approach focused on problem-solving at the wildlife/domestic animal/human health and livelihoods interface, underpinned by a foundation of environmental stewardship. </p>
<p>High-risk wildlife markets:</p>
<p>High-risk wildlife markets are locations with a high probability of viral pathogen spillover from wildlife to humans and subsequent transmission among humans. They include outlets selling and mixing volumes of live or dead wildlife often from broad geographic regions, belonging to high-risk taxa for viral pathogen spillovers and visited by large numbers of humans. </p>
<p>High-risk wildlife species may include a broad range of taxa. Information on pathogen prevalence in wildlife, the reporting of spillover events, and disease surveillance among humans is not yet comprehensive. Provisionally this includes all bird and mammal species, sourced legally or illegally from the wild/nature, captive-bred, or farmed (except those that are considered as ‘livestock’ under animal husbandry law, subject to intensive veterinary management with stock that is reliably documented as not supplemented by wild-sourced supplies).</p><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WWFPressReleases/~4/EY69-dI7Ej8" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Elizabeth Daviselizabeth.davis@wwfus.orghttps://www.worldwildlife.org/press-releases/health-conservation-leaders-issue-joint-call-to-shut-down-high-risk-wildlife-markets-to-help-curb-future-outbreakstag:www.worldwildlife.org,2005:PressRelease/18062020-04-06T00:00:00-04:002020-04-06T00:00:00-04:00Piden a gobiernos del sudeste asiático el cierre de mercados de especies silvestres, en respuesta al COVID-19 <p></p><p>HONG KONG. - Mientras el mundo lucha contra la peor emergencia de salud pública de los últimos años, más del 90 % de las personas que participaron en una encuesta en el sudeste asiático y Hong Kong manifestaron su apoyo al cierre de mercados de especies silvestres ilegales y no reguladas, según una investigación de WWF dada a conocer en este Día Mundial de la Salud.</p><p></p>
<p></p><p>El reciente brote del COVID-19 ha puesto el foco de atención en las enfermedades zoonóticas, aquellas transmitidas de animales a humanos, y en los mercados de vida silvestre. <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/publications/opinion-survey-on-covid-19-and-wildlife-trade-in-five-asian-markets">Una encuesta</a> realizada en marzo pasado con 5,000 participantes de la RAE de Hong Kong, Japón, Myanmar, Tailandia y Vietnam, encontró que el 82 % de los entrevistados están extremadamente o muy preocupados por el brote, y el 93 % de los consultados en el sudeste de Asia y Hong Kong apoyan la acción de sus gobiernos para eliminar los mercados ilegales y no regulados. </p> <p></p>
<p></p><p>Aún quedan preguntas no resueltas sobre los orígenes exactos del COVID-19, pero la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) ha confirmado que es una enfermedad zoonótica, lo que significa que se transmitió de animales silvestres a los humanos. El gobierno de China anunció el pasado 24 de febrero una prohibición integral del consumo de animales silvestres. La encuesta de WWF revela que los ciudadanos apoyan acciones similares de otros gobiernos de la región. Esta fue la primera encuesta de opinión pública sobre la conexión entre COVID-19 y el comercio de vida silvestre realizada en Asia. </p> <p></p>
<p></p><p>"China ha dado grandes pasos con la prohibición de la caza, el comercio, el transporte y el consumo de animales silvestres, y Vietnam está trabajando en directivas similares", dijo Christy Williams, Directora Regional del programa Asia Pacífico de WWF. "Otros gobiernos asiáticos necesitan seguir el ejemplo y cerrar sus mercados de vida silvestre de alto riesgo para poner fin a este comercio de una vez, con el objetivo de salvar vidas humanas y ayudar a prevenir la repetición de la crisis social y económica que se vive hoy en todo el mundo".</p><p></p>
<p></p><p>El 9% de los encuestados por GlobeScan declararon que ellos o alguien que conocen habían comprado productos de vida silvestre en los últimos 12 meses en un mercado de vida silvestre, y un 84% señaló que es poco probable o muy poco probable que compre productos de vida silvestre en el futuro. </p> <p></p>
<p></p><p>“El público de Asia ha hablado: aquellos que viven en países donde los mercados de vida silvestre son más prevalentes exigen que se reduzca el consumo estas especies y que se elimine su comercio ilegal y no regulado. La gente está profundamente preocupada y apoyaría las decisiones de gobiernos para prevenir posibles futuras crisis sanitarias mundiales originadas en los mercados de vida silvestre", afirmó Marco Lambertini, Director General de WWF Internacional. "Es hora de conectar las piezas entre ese tipo de comercio, la degradación ambiental y los riesgos para la salud humana. Tomar acción ahora para los humanos, así como para las muchas especies de vida silvestre amenazadas por el consumo y el comercio, es crucial para nuestra sobrevivencia".</p><p></p>
<p></p><p>La OMS ha informado que la pandemia actual de COVID-19, junto con por lo menos un <a href="https://www.who.int/neglected_diseases/diseases/zoonoses/en/">61 % </a> de todos los patógenos humanos, son de origen zoonótico: el comercio de vida silvestre es un riesgo agravante en la propagación de zoonosis. Otras epidemias recientes, incluidos el SARS, el MERS y el ébola, también se originan de virus que se transmiten de los animales a las personas.</p><p></p>
<p> </p><p> “COVID-19 es una crisis global y solo una respuesta global podrá garantizar que una pandemia como esta no vuelva a ocurrir”, dijo Jan Vertefeuille, Asesora Senior de Campañas de WWF en Estados Unidos. “Hacemos un llamado a los líderes mundiales que apoyen el cierre de mercados de animales salvajes de alto riesgo para la salud humana y para la biodiversidad; que ayuden a los países que están tratando de cerrar este peligroso mercado de animales salvajes; que inviertan en educación pública, para reducir la demanda de estos productos y luchar contra el tráfico de vida silvestre en todo el mundo”. </p> <p></p>
<p></p><p>El comercio insostenible de vida silvestre es la segunda mayor amenaza a la biodiversidad a nivel mundial, después de la destrucción del hábitat. Las poblaciones de especies de vertebrados en el mundo disminuyeron en un promedio 60 % desde 1970, y un <a href="https://ipbes.net/global-assessment">informe de 2019</a>
de la Plataforma Intergubernamental de Ciencia-Política sobre Biodiversidad y Servicios de Ecosistemas (IPBES) concluyó que un promedio del 25% de las especies globales están actualmente en peligro de extinción. </p> <p></p><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WWFPressReleases/~4/bXdgpl4p3Ko" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>https://www.worldwildlife.org/press-releases/piden-a-gobiernos-del-sudeste-asiatico-el-cierre-de-mercados-de-especies-silvestres-en-respuesta-al-covid-19tag:www.worldwildlife.org,2005:PressRelease/18052020-04-06T00:00:00-04:002020-04-06T00:00:00-04:00Public Calls for Governments to Close Southeast Asia’s Wildlife Markets in Response to COVID-19, WWF Survey Finds<p><strong>Hong Kong</strong> -- This World Health Day, as the world grapples with the worst public health emergency in recent memory, over 90 percent of respondents surveyed in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong support a government-led closure of illegal and unregulated wildlife markets, according to <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/publications/opinion-survey-on-covid-19-and-wildlife-trade-in-five-asian-markets">new research</a> for World Wildlife Fund (WWF).</p>
<p>The recent outbreak of COVID-19 has brought the link between zoonotic diseases - those transmitted from animals to humans - and wildlife markets into sharp focus. A survey[1] conducted in March among 5,000 participants from Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam found that 82 percent of respondents are extremely or very worried about the outbreak, with 93 percent of respondents in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong supporting action by their governments to eliminate illegal and unregulated markets. </p>
<p>Questions remain about the exact origins of COVID-19, but the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed it is a zoonotic disease, meaning it jumped from wildlife to humans. The Chinese government announced a comprehensive ban on the consumption of wild animals on 24 February. WWF’s research shows that citizens support similar action from other governments across the region. This was the first survey of public opinion about the connection between COVID-19 and wildlife trade undertaken across Asia. </p>
<p>“China has taken great steps prohibiting the hunting, trade, transport and eating of wild animals, and Vietnam is working on similar directives,” said Christy Williams, Regional Director of WWF’s Asia Pacific program. “Other Asian governments must follow by closing their high-risk wildlife markets and ending this trade once and for all to save lives and help prevent a repeat of the social and economic disruption we are experiencing around the globe today.”</p>
<p>Nine percent of those surveyed by GlobeScan stated that they or someone they know had purchased wildlife in the past 12 months at an open wildlife market, but that 84 percent are unlikely or very unlikely to buy wildlife products in the future. </p>
<p>“The public in Asia have spoken - those living in countries where wildlife markets are most prevalent are demanding that wildlife consumption is curbed and illegal and unregulated wildlife trade is eliminated. People are deeply worried and would support their governments in taking action to prevent potential future global health crises originating in wildlife markets," said Marco Lambertini, Director General of WWF International. “It is time to connect the dots between wildlife trade, environmental degradation and risks to human health. Taking action now for humans as well as the many wildlife species threatened by consumption and trade is crucial for all of our survival.”</p>
<p>WHO has reported that the current COVID-19 pandemic, along with at least 61 percent of all human pathogens, are zoonotic in origin - wildlife trade is an aggravating risk in the spread of zoonoses. Other recent epidemics, including SARS, MERS and Ebola, have also all been traced back to viruses that spread from animals to people.</p>
<p>“COVID-19 is a global crisis and only a global response can ensure a pandemic like this never happens again," said Jan&nbsp;Vertefeuille,&nbsp;Senior Advisor for Advocacy at WWF-US.&nbsp;&nbsp;"We’re calling on world leaders to support the closure of high-risk wildlife markets wherever they threaten public health and biodiversity and to take collective action: aid the countries that are trying to shut down this dangerous wildlife trade, invest in public education and consumer outreach to reduce demand for these products and fight wildlife trafficking around the world.”</p>
<p>Unsustainable wildlife trade is the second-largest direct threat to biodiversity globally, after habitat destruction. Populations of vertebrate species on earth declined by an average 60 percent since 1970, and a 2019 report from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) concluded that an average of 25 percent of global species are currently threatened with extinction.</p>
<p>Access the full report: <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/publications/opinion-survey-on-covid-19-and-wildlife-trade-in-five-asian-markets">WWF Opinion Survey on Covid-19 and Wildlife Trade in Five Asian Markets&nbsp;</a></p>
<p>Access the report <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/publications/summary-of-findings-opinion-survey-on-covid-19-and-wildlife-trade-in-five-asian-markets">summary</a>.</p><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WWFPressReleases/~4/7DJTLs_Xf3g" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Elizabeth Daviselizabeth.davis@wwfus.orghttps://www.worldwildlife.org/press-releases/public-calls-for-governments-to-close-southeast-asia-s-wildlife-markets-in-response-to-covid-19-wwf-survey-findstag:www.worldwildlife.org,2005:PressRelease/18042020-03-27T00:00:00-04:002020-03-27T00:00:00-04:00WWF Statement on the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act<p>In response to today’s passage and signing into law of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) issued the following statement from Will Gartshore, director of government affairs & advocacy:</p>
<p> “The COVID-19 pandemic threatens the health and economic well-being of every American. The federal government needs to respond urgently and thoughtfully to ensure the health of our communities and the stability of our economy in this time of crisis.</p>
<p>“We commend Congress for bridging partisan divides and passing a bill to ensure emergency relief to those on the front lines of this pandemic and to American workers facing economic hardship. The final relief package also removes generous handouts that had been proposed for polluting industries and makes important investments to safeguard our election infrastructure in the face of this pandemic. </p>
<p>“More needs to be done, both to address the current crisis and to rebuild for the future. As Congress works to revitalize the American economy with additional stimulus legislation, it is essential that those federal investments support the public interest in the broadest terms and drive innovations that better position our nation to address the full range of challenges we face. This includes upholding existing protections for public health and the environment, and investing in an economic rebound that is more sustainable, more resilient, more equitable, and driven by clean energy.” </p><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WWFPressReleases/~4/6bVFC2jxPos" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Lauren Gleasonlauren.gleason@wwfus.orghttps://www.worldwildlife.org/press-releases/wwf-statement-on-the-coronavirus-aid-relief-and-economic-security-cares-acttag:www.worldwildlife.org,2005:PressRelease/18032020-03-25T00:00:00-04:002020-03-25T00:00:00-04:00Earth Hour 2020 Emphasizes the Power of a Collective Pause<p>On Saturday, March 28, <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/earth-hour">Earth Hour</a>, one of the world’s largest grassroots movements for the environment, will once again inspire individuals, businesses and organizations in over 180 countries and territories to renew their commitment to the planet. <br></p>
<p>In the midst of the global COVID-19 health crisis, Earth Hour marks a moment of solidarity as global communities unite for each other and for the planet. We advise participants to join Earth Hour at home or online following <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html">CDC guidelines</a>. Given the unprecedented circumstances, the global health emergency we are facing today is an alarming signal that we need to urgently transform our relationship with nature and the ecosystems we live in. </p>
<p>Earth Hour 2020 draws attention to the immediate need for halting nature and biodiversity loss for our health and well-being. During these challenging times, it’s more important than ever that we take a collective pause to reflect, evolve and strengthen our relationship with ourselves, with each other and with nature.</p>
<p><strong>Shauna Mahajan, social scientist at World Wildlife Fund, said,</strong> <em>“</em>Individual actions can add up to create a movement. As Americans are spending more time at home during these challenging and unprecedented times, we can take an hour to reflect on how we as individuals can make our planet safe and healthy for both people and nature. The best opportunities for creating change come when we align our passions with our actions – so this Earth Hour, let's pause to reflect on how our individual passions can be aligned with action to help us collectively create a green and fair future.” </p>
<p>We live in an interconnected world, and our way of life increasingly threatens all life on Earth. Our pressure on the climate and our increased demand for food, water, and energy come at a cost for nature and species around the world, including ourselves.</p>
<p><strong>Greta Thunberg, climate and environmental activist, said</strong>, “Earth Hour for me is every hour of every day. The need to unite and protect our planet has never been greater. As we have been asked to avoid public gatherings to slow the spreading of the COVID-19 (coronavirus), I recommend everyone to come together virtually for #EarthHour to renew our commitment to the planet and use our voices to drive action online safely and responsibly.” </p>
<p>People-led initiatives around the world like Earth Hour are vital to continue to inspire awareness on the importance of nature and prompt action to help deliver a nature positive world by the end of the decade. </p>
<p>---ends---</p>
<p><strong>Notes to Editors</strong></p>
<p>Link to Earth Hour<a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/earth-hour"> site</a></p>
<p>Link to<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/nijdnh7apnyewmi/AAC0A1c9O5cm2lVC6Gtx2sEHa?dl=0"> Earth Hour 2020 For Media</a></p>
<p>Link to<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/f21g73rahxg6pla/AAB9LhQ6RZA7cdIHcJKyya4ha?dl=0"> Social Graphics</a></p>
<p><strong>About Earth Hour</strong></p>
<p>Earth Hour is WWF's flagship global environmental movement. Born in Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour has grown to become one of the world's largest grassroots movements for the environment, inspiring individuals, communities, businesses and organizations in more than 180 countries and territories to take tangible environmental action for over a decade. Historically, Earth Hour has focused on the climate crisis, but more recently, Earth Hour has strived to also bring the pressing issue of nature loss to the fore. The aim is to create an unstoppable movement for nature, as it did when the world came together to tackle climate change. The movement recognizes the role of individuals in creating solutions to the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges and harnesses the collective power of its millions of supporters to drive change.</p>
<p><strong>About World Wildlife Fund (WWF)</strong></p>
<p>WWF is one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, working in nearly 100 countries for over half a century to help people and nature thrive. With the support of more than 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, halt the degradation of the environment and combat the climate crisis. Visit <a href="http://www.worldwildlife.org/">www.worldwildlife.org</a> to learn more and keep up with the latest conservation news by following <a href="https://twitter.com/wwfnews">@WWFNews</a> on Twitter and signing up for our newsletter and news alerts <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/join-the-press-list-for-wwf-news">here</a>.</p><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WWFPressReleases/~4/8uE6E-g9Mrc" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Alexandra Rosenbergalexandra.rosenberg@wwfus.orgBrooke Hirsheimerbrooke.hirsheimer@wwfus.orghttps://www.worldwildlife.org/press-releases/earth-hour-2020-emphasizes-the-power-of-a-collective-pausetag:www.worldwildlife.org,2005:PressRelease/18022020-03-19T00:00:00-04:002020-03-19T00:00:00-04:00WWF Statement on Cambodian Government’s Decision to Suspend Hydropower Dam Development on the Mekong River<p><strong>The Director General of Energy at Cambodia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy through a phone call today confirmed with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) that Cambodia’s newly approved 10 years energy master plan 2020-2030 does not include any hydropower dams on the Mekong mainstream.</strong><br> <strong><br>Teak Seng, WWF-Cambodia Country Director:</strong><br> <br>“Maintaining the lower Mekong in Cambodia free-flowing is the best decision for both people and nature, and WWF commends the Cambodian government for ruling out the hydropower dam development and instead pursuing other energy sources such as solar to meet the Kingdom’s power demand. WWF stands ready to work with the government to support development of a system-wide sustainable energy plan that promotes clean and renewable energy alternatives, contributing to the country’s energy goals without damming Cambodia’s remaining free-flowing rivers.”<br> <strong><br>Marc Goichot, WWF Freshwater Lead, Asia Pacific:</strong><br> <br>"The 10-year moratorium on mainstream dams on the Mekong River announced by the government of Cambodia is the best possible news for the sustainable future of the tens of millions of people living alongside it and for the amazing biodiversity that depends on it, especially the world’s largest population of Irrawaddy river dolphins. The science clearly shows that those dams would significantly reduce wild fisheries and block sediment flows, speeding up the sinking and shrinking of the delta and threatening the future of Vietnam's major rice basket, countless fishing communities and long-term economic sustainability. Cambodia’s correct decision is an example for other countries, recognizing free-flowing rivers provide invaluable benefits for people and countless wild species that depend on.”</p><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WWFPressReleases/~4/9GxTyNputnE" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Brooke Hirsheimerbrooke.hirsheimer@wwfus.orghttps://www.worldwildlife.org/press-releases/wwf-statement-on-cambodian-government-s-decision-to-suspend-hydropower-dam-development-on-the-mekong-rivertag:www.worldwildlife.org,2005:PressRelease/18012020-03-16T00:00:00-04:002020-03-16T00:00:00-04:00Statement on GDST Standards and Guidelines for Interoperable Seafood Traceability Systems<p><strong>In response to </strong><a href="https://traceability-dialogue.org/gdst_launch/"><strong>today’s launch</strong></a><strong> of the GDST Standards and Guidelines for Interoperable Seafood Traceability Systems, Version 1.0 by the Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability (GDST), World Wildlife Fund (WWF) issued the following statement from David Schorr, senior manager of transparent seas project:</strong></p>
<p>“When it comes to conserving our oceans and ensuring the seafood we eat originates through ethical production, the seafood industry plays a large role. To confirm our seafood is caught, traded and sold properly requires the ability to effectively and reliably trace the path, from catch to point of sale. </p>
<p>“Yet, what has been missing in that equation are global standards that establish a baseline for interoperability among traceability systems. GDST 1.0 serves as that foundation and is the game changer we need. </p>
<p>“WWF applauds the companies that have participated in the Global Dialogue. By adopting and implementing the standards, they are demonstrating their commitment to smart business practices, while growing a responsible seafood industry and protecting our oceans.</p>
<p>“GDST 1.0 is a smart example of how ethical practices can be good for business and also good for the planet.”</p><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WWFPressReleases/~4/ak2z1uTY_fo" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Lauren Gleasonlauren.gleason@wwfus.orghttps://www.worldwildlife.org/press-releases/statement-on-gdst-standards-and-guidelines-for-interoperable-seafood-traceability-systemstag:www.worldwildlife.org,2005:PressRelease/18002020-03-05T00:00:00-05:002020-03-05T00:00:00-05:00The New Face of the Plastics Crisis<p><strong>In response to the discovery of the presence of plastic in a new species of deep-sea amphipods, Lauren Spurrier, Vice President, Ocean Conservation at World Wildlife Fund said:</strong></p>
<p>“The decision to call this newly discovered species, from one of the deepest and most remote places on the planet, Eurythenes plasticus is a bold and necessary move. There can be no disputing the ubiquitous presence of plastics in our environment and its impact on nature.</p>
<p>“We now are seeing even more devastating impacts of plastic pollution, in that it is infecting species science is only just now discovering. While the official existence of plastics in the taxonomic record is a stark concept, this discovery should mobilize us all to take immediate strong action against this global pollutant.”</p><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WWFPressReleases/~4/EtIQyto6GsU" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Susan McCarthysusan.mccarthy@wwfus.orghttps://www.worldwildlife.org/press-releases/the-new-face-of-the-plastics-crisistag:www.worldwildlife.org,2005:PressRelease/17992020-03-02T00:00:00-05:002020-03-02T00:00:00-05:00Empresas tecnológicas eliminan 3 millones de anuncios en Internet relacionados con tráfico ilegal de vida silvestre<p>Las empresas tecnológicas en Internet de la <a href="https://www.endwildlifetraffickingonline.org/">Coalición para Acabar con el Tráfico de Fauna Silvestre en Internet</a> indican que hasta la fecha, han eliminado o bloqueado de las plataformas en línea aproximadamente 3 millones de anuncios de tráfico ilegal de especies en peligro de extinción y amenazadas así como sus subproductos. Los anuncios incluían animales vivos como tigres, reptiles, primates y aves para el comercio de mascotas exóticas, así como subproductos de elefantes, pangolines y tortugas marinas.</p>
<p><em>Offline and in the Wild</em> [<a href="https://www.endwildlifetraffickingonline.org/our-progress">https://www.endwildlifetraffickingonline.org/our-progress</a>] es un informe publicado hoy sobre el progreso alcanzado por las empresas de la coalición–convocada por World Wildlife Fund (WWF), TRAFFIC y el Fondo Internacional para el Bienestar Animal (IFAW)–concluye que los esfuerzos realizados por estas empresas están ayudando a cerrar las rutas comerciales basadas en la nube que los cibercriminales utilizan para la explotación de la vida silvestre.</p>
<p>"eBay ha estado luchando contra el tráfico ilegal de vida silvestre en Internet en nuestro mercado durante más de una década", expresó Mike Carson, director de política global y gestión reguladora en eBay. "Estamos colaborando con agencias gubernamentales, las ONG, otras empresas de nuestro mismo sector y miembros de la comunidad de eBay para ayudarnos a hacer cumplir nuestra 'política de productos de animales y vida silvestre' de acuerdo con el marco de la política de vida silvestre de la coalición, y está funcionando. En 2019, bloqueamos o eliminamos a nivel mundial más de 165,000 anuncios prohibidos bajo esta política".</p>
<p>El progreso de la coalición es el resultado del fortalecimiento de las políticas de vida silvestre; una mayor capacitación del personal para detectar el posible comercio ilegal de animales silvestres vivos y sus subproductos,; el monitoreo constante e intercambio de información con expertos en vida silvestre; los informes enviados por voluntarios a través del <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5b53e9789772ae59ffa267ee/t/5c912f9e9140b78a7bf096b1/1553018782710/Wildlife+Cyber+Spotter+One+Pager+Mar+2019.pdf">Programa de Observadores Cibernéticos de Vida Silvestre de la Coalición;</a> mejores algoritmos obtenidos gracias al monitoreo y recopilación de palabras clave para la búsqueda en línea; y el aprendizaje compartido.</p>
<p>"Las redes criminales se están aprovechando de las plataformas en Internet a expensas de las especies más extraordinarias de la naturaleza", manifestó Crawford Allan, director senior de TRAFFIC en WWF. "La inmensidad del Internet representa un desafío para la aplicación de las leyes de reglamentación. Las empresas tecnológicas en Internet de nuestra coalición ahora cuentan con la inteligencia y las herramientas para luchar contra el tráfico ilegal de vida silvestre en línea, y pueden ayudar a los organismos encargados del cumplimiento de la ley en esta enorme tarea".</p>
<p>La <em>Coalición para Acabar con el Tráfico de Fauna Silvestre en Internet</em> nació a raíz del rápido acceso que el mundo tiene al Internet y el giro que se ha generado en torno a las operaciones de tráfico ilegal de vida silvestre de los mercados físicos hacia los mercados en línea. La gran cantidad de anuncios eliminados en el segundo aniversario de la coalición demuestra tanto la efectividad a largo plazo de la alianza como el compromiso continuo de las empresas para prevenir el tráfico ilegal de vida silvestre en sus plataformas.</p>
<p>Según Tania McCrea-Steele, gerente internacional de proyectos del área de crímenes contra la vida silvestre de IFAW, "unir a las empresas tecnológicas en Internet es fundamental para la lucha contra el cibercrimen de vida silvestre ya que los traficantes de vida silvestre están abusando del anonimato del Internet para explotar la vida silvestre en peligro de extinción. Trágicamente, podemos encontrar marfil de elefante, escamas de pangolín, cachorros vivos de tigres, aves y reptiles y más, todo a la venta al alcance de un teléfono inteligente. Las empresas tecnológicas en Internet son parte central de la solución ya que pueden trabajar a una escala mundial sin precedentes e interrumpir el tráfico ilegal de vida silvestre".</p>
<p>Además de bloquear o eliminar la información relacionada con el tráfico ilegal de vida silvestre, las empresas en la coalición han puesto en marcha iniciativas de participación de los usuarios para promover la conservación de la vida silvestre alcanzando a millones de usuarios del Internet.</p>
<p>"La delincuencia de vida silvestre es un problema mundial ampliamente reconocido que exige una solución global", dijo Siyao, experto en seguridad de Alibaba. "La coalición proporciona una plataforma para que las empresas de tecnología en línea contribuyan juntos a esta solución. En Alibaba, compartimos las experiencias y aprendemos continuamente de otros miembros de la coalición sobre cómo frenar y prevenir el tráfico de vida silvestre en línea invirtiendo en tecnología innovadora e involucrando al público para que se una a la lucha por la vida silvestre".</p>
<p>Las personas pueden unirse a la lucha contra el crimen cibernético de vida silvestre y apoyar los esfuerzos de la <em>Coalición para Acabar con el Tráfico de Fauna Silvestre en Internet</em> al no comprar productos de vida silvestre y reportar a las empresas de la coalición cualquier aviso sospechoso de tráfico de vida silvestre encontrado en Internet. Los productos de vida silvestre prohibidos encontrados en Internet se pueden señalar para ser eliminados en <a href="https://www.endwildlifetraffickingonline.org/">https://www.endwildlifetraffickingonline.org/</a>.</p>
<p>WWF, IFAW y TRAFFIC capacitan a ciudadanos voluntarios para identificar productos de vida silvestre prohibidos en Internet a través del Programa de Observadores Cibernéticos de Vida Silvestre de la coalición. Hasta ahora, los observadores cibernéticos de vida silvestre en Estados Unidos, Alemania y Singapur han marcado más de 4,000 avisos de tráfico ilegal en Internet. Estos anuncios han sido eliminados en tiempo real por los equipos de aplicación de la ley de las empresas de la coalición. A través del programa, los observadores cibernéticos han ayudado a descubrir nuevas palabras clave usadas por los vendedores y han identificado tendencias en el tráfico de vida silvestre para apoyar los esfuerzos de monitoreo continuo de las empresas.</p>
<p>Las personas interesadas pueden inscribirse en el Programa de Observadores Cibernéticos de Vida Silvestre en <a href="https://www.endwildlifetraffickingonline.org/get-involved">https://www.endwildlifetraffickingonline.org/get-involved</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Sobre la <em>Coalición para Acabar con el Tráfico de Fauna Silvestre en Internet</em></strong></p>
<p>La coalición está compuesta por 34 empresas como Alibaba, Artron, Baidu, Baixing, eBay, Etsy, Facebook, Google, Huaxia Collection, Hantang Collection, Instagram, Kuaishou, Kupatana, Mall for Africa, Leboncoin, letgo, Microsoft, OfferUp, OLX, Pinterest, Qyer, Rakuten, Ruby Lane, Sapo, Shengshi Collection, Sina Weibo, Sougou, Tencent, Tortoise Friends, Wen Wan Tian Xia, Zhong Hua Gu Wan, Zhongyikupai, Zhuanzhuan y 58 Group, convocados conjuntamente por WWF, TRAFFIC e IFAW.</p>
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WWFPressReleases/~4/hzb9qsDgqkk" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>https://www.worldwildlife.org/press-releases/empresas-tecnologicas-eliminan-3-millones-de-anuncios-en-internet-relacionados-con-trafico-ilegal-de-vida-silvestretag:www.worldwildlife.org,2005:PressRelease/17982020-03-02T00:00:00-05:002020-03-02T00:00:00-05:00Tech Companies Take Down 3 Million Online Listings for Trafficked Wildlife <p><strong>WASHINGTON, DC</strong>&nbsp;– Online technology companies in the <em><a href="https://www.endwildlifetraffickingonline.org/">Coalition to End Wildlife Trafficking Online</a></em> reported removing or blocking over 3 million listings for endangered and threatened species and associated products from their online platforms to date. These listings included live tigers, reptiles, primates and birds for the exotic pet trade, as well as products derived from species like elephants, pangolins and marine turtles.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.endwildlifetraffickingonline.org/our-progress"><em>Offline and in the Wild</em></a>, a report released today about progress made by companies involved in the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), TRAFFIC and International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)-convened coalition, finds that efforts taken by these companies are helping to shut down the cloud-based trade routes cybercriminals rely on for exploiting wildlife. </p>
<p>“eBay has been fighting online wildlife trafficking on our marketplace for over a decade,” said Mike Carson, Director of Global Policy and Regulatory Management at eBay. “We’re collaborating with government agencies, NGOs, industry peers and members of the eBay community to help us enforce our Animal and Wildlife Products policy in alignment with the Coalition’s wildlife policy framework, and it’s working. In 2019, we blocked or removed over 165,000 listings globally that are prohibited under this policy.”</p>
<p>The Coalition’s progress has resulted from strengthened wildlife policies, an increase in staff ability to detect potential illegal wildlife products and live wild animals, regular monitoring and data sharing from wildlife experts, reports sent in by volunteers through the Coalition’s Wildlife Cyber Spotter Program, enhanced algorithms—thanks to key search word monitoring and collation—and shared learning.</p>
<p>“Criminal networks are taking advantage of internet platforms at the expense of the rarest species nature has to offer,” said Crawford Allan, Senior Director for TRAFFIC at WWF. “But the vastness of the internet presents a challenge for law enforcement to regulate. The online companies in our Coalition now have the smarts and tools to fight back against wildlife trafficking online, and can help ease the burden on law enforcement.”</p>
<p>The <em>Coalition to End Wildlife Trafficking Online</em> was born out of the global proliferation of internet access and resulting shift in illegal wildlife trade transactions from physical to online markets. The extensive number of listings removed by the Coalition’s second anniversary demonstrates both the long-term effectiveness of the partnership and the continued commitment of the companies to prevent wildlife trafficking on their platforms.</p>
<p>According to Tania McCrea-Steele, International Project Manager, Wildlife Crime at IFAW, “Uniting online technology companies is critical in the fight against wildlife cybercrime as wildlife traffickers are abusing the anonymity of the internet to exploit endangered wildlife. Tragically, you can find elephant ivory, pangolin scales, live tiger cubs, live birds and reptiles and more, all for sale on your smart phone. The online technology companies are a core part of the solution as they are able to work at an unprecedented global scale and disrupt illegal wildlife trafficking.”</p>
<p>In addition to blocking or removing illegal wildlife trade related information, Coalition companies have launched user engagement initiatives to promote wildlife conservation reaching millions of internet users. </p>
<p>“Wildlife crime is a widely recognized global problem which demands a global solution,” said Siyao, Security Expert at Alibaba. “The Coalition provides a platform for online technology companies to contribute to this solution together. At Alibaba, we share our lessons learned and continuously learn from other Coalition members on how to better curb and prevent wildlife trafficking online by investing in innovative technology and engaging the public to join the fight for wildlife.”</p>
<p>Individuals can join the fight against wildlife cybercrime and support the efforts of the <em>Coalition to End Wildlife Trafficking Online</em> by not buying wildlife products and reporting suspicious wildlife listings online to companies. Prohibited wildlife products found online can be flagged for removal at <a href="https://www.endwildlifetraffickingonline.org/">https://www.endwildlifetraffickingonline.org/</a>.</p>
<p>WWF, IFAW and TRAFFIC train citizen science volunteers on how to identify prohibited wildlife products online through the Coalition’s Wildlife Cyber Spotter Program. So far, Coalition Cyber Spotters in the U.S., Germany and Singapore have flagged over 4,000 prohibited listings for sale online. These listings have been removed in real time by Coalition company enforcement teams. Through the program, Cyber Spotters have helped uncover new seller keywords and identify wildlife trafficking trends that have helped companies’ ongoing monitoring efforts. </p>
<p>Interested individuals can sign up for the Wildlife Cyber Spotter Program at <a href="https://www.endwildlifetraffickingonline.org/get-involved">https://www.endwildlifetraffickingonline.org/get-involved</a>. </p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>About the Coalition to End Wildlife Trafficking Online</strong></p>
<p>The Coalition is comprised of 34 companies including Alibaba, Artron, Baidu, Baixing, eBay, Etsy, Facebook, Google, Huaxia Collection, Hantang Collection, Instagram, Kuaishou, Kupatana, Mall for Africa, Leboncoin, letgo, Microsoft, OfferUp, OLX, Pinterest, Qyer, Rakuten, Ruby Lane, Sapo, Shengshi Collection, Sina Weibo, Sougou, Tencent, Tortoise Friends, Wen Wan Tian Xia, Zhong Hua Gu Wan, Zhongyikupai, Zhuanzhuan and 58 Group and jointly convened by WWF, TRAFFIC and IFAW.</p><div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WWFPressReleases/~4/rTZMdh-2FKA" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Elizabeth Daviselizabeth.davis@wwfus.orghttps://www.worldwildlife.org/press-releases/tech-companies-take-down-3-million-online-listings-for-trafficked-wildlifetag:www.worldwildlife.org,2005:PressRelease/17972020-02-28T00:00:00-05:002020-02-28T00:00:00-05:00La región central del río Mississippi podría convertirse en la "próxima California" con la producción de frutas y verduras<p><strong>Washington, DC .-</strong> World Wildlife Fund (WWF) publicó hoy un nuevo informe, <em>La próxima California, Fase 1: Investigación del potencial de la región central del delta del río Mississippi</em>. Este documento explora la viabilidad de pasar el cultivo de ciertas frutas y verduras a otra zona de Estados Unidos actualmente dominada por cultivos en hileras cosechados con tractores. El informe revela que, si bien California seguirá siendo un estado agrícola importante, la región central del delta del río Mississippi está bien posicionada para complementar la producción de frutas y verduras, contribuyendo a un sistema alimentario más distribuido y resiliente al clima.</p>
<p>"California, por sí sola, actualmente produce más de un tercio de las verduras y dos tercios de las frutas y nueces consumidas en Estados Unidos, sin embargo, este estado ya muestra evidencia de los impactos del cambio climático", indicó dijo Jason Clay, vicepresidente senior de mercados en WWF. “Una California más cálida y seca, con eventos climáticos más extremos, es mala noticia para los agricultores, pero también para los consumidores estadounidenses y las compañías de alimentos. Necesitamos un plan para mitigar el riesgo y aliviar la presión sobre el estado y su ambiente natural. La región del delta podría ser una de las 'próximas Californias' del futuro”.</p>
<p>El informe identifica diversas ventajas de seleccionar la región del delta como zona piloto para una producción más intensiva de frutas y verduras. Las ventajas incluyen una larga trayectoria agrícola, bajo costo de la tierra y mano de obra, suelos fértiles, abundantes lluvias y fuentes de agua superficial. También hay beneficios económicos. La pobreza generalizada y el desempleo, junto con la problemática actual en torno al comercio internacional y el aumento de los aranceles para los cultivos básicos, han creado un ambiente receptivo al cambio y la diversificación. Asimismo, existen reconocidas universidades agrícolas y organizaciones locales capaces de brindar apoyo y orientación a los agricultores.</p>
<p>Si bien hay muchas oportunidades, el informe también analiza los principales obstáculos que deben superarse para la viabilidad del salto de una fase piloto a una fase a gran escala. La mano de obra es una de las principales preocupaciones. Con una escasez de mano de obra capacitada y muy pocos trabajadores migrantes en la región, se deben otorgar más visas o se debe capacitar a más trabajadores para manejar cultivos especializados. La automatización y la tecnología, incluidos los robots capaces de manejar productos delicados, también podrían ayudar a abordar la escasez de mano de obra. Otros desafíos incluyen la humedad, plagas, pesticidas y la falta de la infraestructura necesaria para procesar, empaquetar y enviar las frutas y verduras especializadas.</p>
<p>“A pesar de los desafíos del cultivo de frutas y verduras especializadas, muchos agricultores están interesados en la oportunidad y abiertos al cambio, siempre que tengan el nivel adecuado de apoyo y no los dejen solos” manifestó dijo Julia Kurnik, directora de empresas innovadoras del Instituto de Mercados de WWF”. Todavía quedan preguntas por responder, pero nuestra investigación hasta ahora muestra potencial hacia un sistema ambiental y financieramente sostenible. En las próximas décadas, la región del delta podría suministrar una porción significativa de las frutas y verduras del país".</p>
<p>El informe describe las prioridades para la Fase II del proyecto, que incluye investigación adicional y búsqueda de información, construcción de alianzas, fomento de la demanda del mercado y trabajo con universidades locales para diseñar un proyecto piloto. La Fase II culminará en un plan de negocios y una hoja de ruta, sentando las bases para que los socios locales implementen los próximos pasos.</p>
<p>"Cada país tiene una California en su sistema alimentario, un lugar en el que hemos confiado durante generaciones para alimentar a millones de personas, pero ninguno de estos centros de producción se está anticipando a los impactos del cambio climático", añadió Jason Clay. "Las lecciones aprendidas de este informe deben aplicarse a nivel mundial, comenzando por identificar las 'próximas Californias' alrededor del mundo".</p>
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WWFPressReleases/~4/adwcEexjEvI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Monica Echeverriamonica.echeverria@wwfus.orghttps://www.worldwildlife.org/press-releases/la-region-central-del-rio-mississippi-podria-convertirse-en-la-proxima-california-con-la-produccion-de-frutas-y-verduras